A gout is a form of arthritis in which small cysts tend to protrude from inside and around the joints. People with gout might experience sudden pain or swelling. This condition is mainly seen in men above the age of thirty and women post-menopause. However, gout is more common in men than it is in women.

The major signs and symptoms that indicate whether you have gout are as follows:

• Sudden pain in one or more of your joints
• A feeling that the joint has suddenly become very sensitive and that area starts feeling hot
• Swelling around the affected area or joint
• The skin above that joint becomes red, swollen and shiny

There are many ways with which one can treat gout if you have any of the above symptoms.

Precautions
There are certain things that you need to keep in mind when you are having a gout attack or pain-

• Rest and do not put any pressure or weight on the affected area. This is one of the first and foremost cures for gout.
• Ensure that you have been drinking plenty of water and are properly hydrated.
• Try to keep the joint cool by putting ice compression either with an ice pack or ice cubes wrapped in a towel as one of the things you can try at home to cure gout.

Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is usually used to treat acid stomachs, however; it is highly recommended as the cure for gout and arthritis. The acidity inside it helps relieve the sore pain. One can also mix a little honey to boost up the anti-inflammatory response as a cure for gout at home.

Ginger root
Ginger also has an abundance of anti-inflammatory properties in it and has been used for ages now. Mix it with turmeric powder and have a teaspoon of this mixture twice a day with lukewarm water. You can also make a ginger paste and mix it with turmeric powder. Gently apply it to the affected area and cover it with a cloth. This helps in reducing the inflammation.

Baking soda
There are other things you can try at home as effective cures for gout. Gout increases the amount of uric acid count in the body. Baking soda helps reduce the amount of uric acid and neutralizes the abnormal count. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda in one glass of water and drink it.

Lemon juice
Lemon juice tends to alkalize the body and also helps neutralize excess of uric acid inside the body. It is highly rich in vitamin C as well.

Epsom salt
It is very useful in curing arthritis, especially gout if you can try storing some at home. It has high levels of magnesium in it. This helps improve the blood pressure and also relaxes the muscles. You can mix it in your bath water.

Cherries
Cherries have anti-oxidant properties. They contain anthocyanins. These can reduce inflammation and are one of the best cures for gout. Around fifteen to twenty cherries are recommended in a day. You can also drink a glass of cherry juice and make it better by adding cloves or garlic in it to cure gout.

Bananas
Bananas have proven to be very effective in treating gout as well. They flush out the uric acid through the urine and also contain vitamin C in moderate amounts. They can be very effective in curing gout at home.

Activated charcoal
Activated charcoal is the harmless and easily used as cures for gout. It helps in releasing the excess amount of toxins and uric acids in the body. You need to mix one and a half cup of charcoal powder in water until you can form a paste of the same. Then, put this paste in a tub and add more water inside it. Try to soak your feet in it for about thirty minutes. It is a great solution for gout in the big toe or the angle. If not, you can also take charcoal medicines alternatively.

Cold water
Putting the affected area under cold water can prove to be very effective. Using ice directly on the affected when you have gout, is not recommended. It can damage your skin. Put the swollen part in cold water for about ten to fifteen minutes and notice the swelling leave you after a while.

Apples
As the common saying goes ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away,’ there is some truth to it too. Eating one apple every morning for those who have gout can be highly beneficial. The malic acid that apples contain helps in neutralizing the body’s uric acids and also provides relief from inflammation. In case you do not eat apples, you can try having apple juice as the alternative cure for gout at home.

You can try any of these cures for gout and observe which one suits you the most and gives you immediate recovery from the pain. Make sure to consult your doctor if the pain persists.